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Zack Zelger sets sights on York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame career

The young member of York County's 'first family of bowling' has great expectations.

By BARRY SPARKS For the Daily Record/Sunday News

Updated:
12/31/2012 09:21:59 PM EST

Zack Zelger stands by the board that tracks the number of perfect games the Zelgers have rolled at Lion Bowl. (Submitted)

York, PA -

Zack Zelger was in the audience the night his father, Mike, was inducted into the York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame in February 2009.

Mike joined his brothers Dave and Tim in the local hall of fame. Dave was inducted in 2003 and Tim in 2008. The Zelgers, proprietors of Lion Bowl in Red Lion, are arguably York County's "first family of bowling."

Watching his father being inducted into the hall of fame with his two uncles present was a turning point for Zack, who was 18 at the time. Up to that point, he had resisted following in the footsteps of his father and uncles. In high school, he had focused on baseball, not bowling.

His reluctance was understandable. Whenever he would step on the lanes, he knew he would face an inordinate amount of expectations and pressure.

After all, he was a Zelger. He was expected to be not only an outstanding bowler but perhaps a hall-of-fame caliber bowler.

Zack, 21, however, isn't fazed by the expectations or pressure.

"I know the expectations are high, but I am going to try to meet them," he said. "Sure, it can be intimidating. It will, however, make success just that much better. I am going to try to use the success of my father and my uncles to my advantage."

In the past three years, Zack has recorded five perfect games and an 800 series. He rolls in seven leagues at Lion Bowl and competes in tournaments.

His highest average last season was a 211. Dave and Tim posted high averages of 233, while Mike had a high average of 220.

Zack knows he has a long way to go to match the accomplishments of his older relatives.

Consider that at Lion Bowl, Tim has rolled 56 perfect games, while Dave has notched 44 and Mike has 19. Zack has four.

"I may never be as good as they are, but they definitely have given me something to shoot for," said Zack, a southpaw. "I've been working hard at improving my game. I have a desire to be the best."

All three Zelger brothers, from left, Tim, Mike and Dave, are members of the York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame. (Submitted)

Zack knows that if he's successful, he'll be known as the fourth Zelger. "How cool would that be?" he asked.

Mike, Dave and Tim are all helping Zack, who said he's taken key elements from each of them. He's adopted his father's personality on the lanes -- competitive, but not cocky, and unafraid to compete against anyone. Tim has been his role model in regards to the mechanics of bowling and being able to strike consistently. Dave has taught him how to stay calm on the lanes, and improve his spare shooting.

"I'm still learning," he said. "I couldn't have better teachers."

"I'm happy that Zack has embraced the sport," said his father, Mike.

"His desire has fueled me to bowl more often, and to compete in tournaments with him."

Dave added, "I think it's great that Zack is involved in bowling. I know being a Zelger puts some pressure on him. I'm sure he hears comments all the time."

After Mike was inducted into the York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame, Zack told him, "I'll see you in the Hall of Fame some day."

Zack admits that his goal is to be inducted into the York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame by the time he's 40.

"If my dad was able to present me with the Hall of Fame jacket at my induction, it would be the high point of my life," said Zack.

SUBMITTED

Zack Zelger stands by the board that tracks the number of perfect games the Zelgers have rolled at Lion Bowl.

SUBMITTED

All three Zelger brothers, from left, Tim, Mike and Dave, are members of the York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame.